Methods and systems for deploying a fire safety blanket

ABSTRACT

A blanket usable for protection against fire within a vehicle wherein the blanket is stored within the vehicle is provided. The blanket includes a first layer having a flame resistant material, a second layer having a heat resistant material adjacent the first layer, a fastener having a flame resistant material configured to attach the first layer to the second layer, and a cushion usable within the vehicle wherein the cushion includes a sealable cavity for storing the blanket in a deployable position. The first layer and the second layer form a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/443,973, filed Jan. 31, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to fire safety products and methods, and more particularly to methods and systems for deploying a blanket usable for protection against fire and heat within a vehicle.

[0003] Commercial airline passenger safety continues to be paramount in the minds of industry professionals and passengers. The increase in the number of both domestic and international flights has led to a potential increase in accidents. Airplanes present a significant danger of fire after a technically survivable crash. In most accidents, passenger injuries may arise from three basic threats including impact, fire, and heat.

[0004] In the event of a potential crash landing, passengers are instructed to fasten their seat belts and tuck into a crash position. Although seat belts reduce the threat of injury from impact and tucking reduces the threat of injury from dislodged debris, the passengers are substantially unprotected against fire and heat. A passenger seat-based system that provides each passenger with the means to shield themselves against fire and heat would be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, a blanket usable for protection against fire within a vehicle wherein the blanket is stored within the vehicle is provided. The blanket includes a first layer having a flame resistant material, a second layer having a heat resistant material adjacent the first layer, a fastener having a flame resistant material configured to attach the first layer to the second layer, and a cushion usable within the vehicle wherein the cushion includes a sealable cavity for storing the blanket in a deployable position. The first layer and the second layer form a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.

[0006] In another aspect, a cushion attachable to a seat is provided. The cushion includes a sealable cavity, and a blanket usable for protection against fire wherein the blanket is configured to be stored in the sealable cavity in a deployable position. The blanket includes a first layer having a flame resistant material, a second layer having a heat resistant material adjacent to the first layer, and a fastener having a flame resistant material configured to attach the first layer to the second layer. The first layer and the second layer form a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.

[0007] In another aspect, a fire emergency protection system usable within a vehicle is provided. The system includes a seat having a headrest for a passenger within the vehicle, a cushion attached to the headrest having a sealable cavity, and a blanket usable by the passenger for protection against fire within the vehicle. The blanket is foldable for storage within the sealable cavity and for facilitating deployment around the passenger.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of deploying a fire emergency protection system usable within a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing a cushion attachable to a headrest on a seat within the vehicle wherein the cushion has a cavity configured to store a blanket usable for protection against fire within the vehicle, enabling a passenger to easily access the blanket within the cavity in case of a fire emergency, and deploying the blanket from the cavity using a first and a second strap such that the blanket covers the passenger within the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a top view of an emergency blanket.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the emergency blanket shown in FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a side view of the emergency blanket shown in FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the emergency blanket shown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 5 is front perspective view of an airplane seat and the emergency blanket shown in FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 6 is front perspective view of the airplane seat with the emergency blanket stored therein.

[0015] FIGS. 7A-7F are front perspective views of the airplane seat with the emergency blanket being deployed by a passenger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “rear,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to blanket 10 as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the apparatus and methods illustrated in the figures and described in the specification are exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a top view of an emergency blanket 10 designed to protect passengers from fire and heat within a vehicle such as an airplane, a motor vehicle, an automobile, and a train. Blanket 10 could also be used in other applications where persons are seated, for example, in a theater. FIG. 2 a prospective view of blanket 10 and FIG. 3 is side view of blanket 10. Blanket 10 includes a first layer 12 adjacent to and fixedly attached to a second layer 14 by a fastener 16. First layer 12, second layer 14, and fastener 16 are described in greater detail below.

[0018] Blanket 10 has a length 18 and a width 20 larger than a thickness 22. In one embodiment, blanket 10 is substantially rectangular shaped and length 18 is greater than width 20. In an alternative embodiment, blanket 10 is substantially square and length 18 is equal to width 20. In the example embodiment, length 18 is approximately six feet, width 20 is approximately four feet, and thickness 22 is approximately 0.002 inches. In another embodiment, length 18 ranges from approximately five feet to approximately seven feet, width 20 ranges from approximately three feet to approximately five feet, and thickness ranges from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.003 inches.

[0019] Blanket 10 has a first end 30, a second end 32, and a body 34 extending therebetween such that second end 32 is opposite first end 30. Blanket 10 also has a first edge 36 and a second edge 38, wherein body 34 extends therebetween such that second edge 38 is opposite first edge 36. A first center axis 40 extends through length 18 and a second center axis 42 extends though width 20.

[0020] First layer 12 is a flame resistant material that retains its physical properties in the presence of fire. In one embodiment, first layer 12 is made from a flame resistant material with a UL-94 Flammability rating of V-0. In the example embodiment, first layer 12 is made of KAPTON® HN, an all-polyimide film commercially available from American Durafilm Corporation, Holliston, Mass. (KAPTON is a registered trademark of E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company Corporation, Wilmington, Del.). In another embodiment, first layer 12 is made from or combinations of flame resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, first layer 12 is made from or combinations of flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®. (P84 is a registered trademark of Lenzing Group, Austria; BASOFIL is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation, Germany; KEVLAR and NOMEX are registered trademarks of E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Corporation, Wilmington, Del.)

[0021] First layer 12 has a thickness 13. In the example embodiment, thickness 13 is approximately 0.001 inches. In another embodiment, thickness 13 ranges from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.003 inches.

[0022] Second layer 14 is a heat resistant material that retains its physical properties in environmental temperatures as high as 400° C. In one embodiment, second layer 14 is made from a heat resistant material with an UL-94 Flammability rating of V-0. In the example embodiment, second layer 14 is made of a heat resistant material similar to first layer 12. In the one embodiment, second layer 14 is made of KAPTON® HN. In another embodiment, second layer 14 is made from or combinations of heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a non-metallic, a ceramic oxide, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, a silica, an aluminum, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, second layer 14 is made from or combinations of heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0023] Second layer 14 has a thickness 15. In the example embodiment, thickness 15 is approximately 0.001 inches. In another embodiment, thickness 15 ranges from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.003 inches

[0024] Fastener 16 is a flame and heat resistant material that retains its physical properties in the presence of fire and environmental temperatures as high as 400° C. In one embodiment, fastener 16 fixedly couples first layer 12 adjacent to second layer 14 using a mechanical fastener. In one embodiment, fastener 16 is a double locked stitched flame and heat resistant thread made from or combinations of flame resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In one embodiment, fastener 16 is made from a flame and heat resistant material with an UL-94 Flammability rating of V-0. In the example embodiment, fastener 16 is made of KAPTON® HN. In another embodiment, fastener 16 is made from or combinations of flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, fastener 16 fixedly couples first layer 12 adjacent to second layer 14 using a chemical fastener (shown in FIG. 3), including, but not limited to, a flame and heat resistant adhesive or glue that retains its physical properties in the presence of fire and environmental temperatures as high as 400° C. In one embodiment, chemical fastener 16 is a flame and heat resistant material adhesive, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic.

[0026] A first strap 44 and a second strap 46 extend parallel to length 18 from the intersection of first edge 36 and first end 30 and second edge 38 and first end 30, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, greater than two straps extend along blanket end 30 and are positioned at various locations along first end 30. In the exemplary embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are looped straps and are coupled to first end 30 such that first layer 12 and second layer 14 are positioned between the loop attachment ends (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are not looped and are coupled to first end 30 to either first layer 12 or second layer 14. In the exemplary embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 extend approximately eleven inches from blanket first end 30. In one embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 extend from blanket first end 30 approximately seven to fifteen inches.

[0027] First strap 44 and second strap 46 are coupled to blanket first end 30 using a mechanical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a double locked stitched fire and heat resistant thread or a metallic grommet. In another embodiment, the fire and heat resistant thread used to couple straps 44 and 46 to blanket first end 30 is made from a flame and heat resistant material, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In an alternative embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are coupled to blanket first end 30 using a chemical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a flame and heat resistant adhesive or glue that retains its physical properties in the presence of fire and environmental temperatures as high as 400° C. In one embodiment, the chemical fastener is a flame and heat resistant material adhesive, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic.

[0028] First strap 44 and second strap 46 are made of a flame resistant material. In the example embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are made of TEFLON® Coated Glass Fabric (TCGF) commercially available from American Durafilm Corporation, Holliston, Mass. (TEFLON is a registered trademark of E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company Corporation, Wilmington, Del.). In another embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, first strap 44 and second strap 46 are made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, KAPTON® HN, P84′, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0029] In one embodiment, blanket first end 30 is folded back on itself to form a pleat 50. In another embodiment, pleat 50 includes a first support strap 52 positioned within pleat 50 and configured to facilitate securing first strap 44 and second strap 46 to blanket first end 30. Support strap 52 is made of a flame resistant material. In the example embodiment, support strap 52 is made of TCGF. In another embodiment, support strap 52 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, support strap 52 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, KAPTON® HN, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0030] A third strap 48 extends across blanket body 34 along second center axis 42 extending beyond each of first edge 36 and second edge 38. In the exemplary embodiment, third strap 48 extends approximately 16.25 inches beyond first edge 36 and second edge 38. In one embodiment, third strap 48 extends between a range of approximately twelve to twenty inches beyond each of first edge 36 and second edge 38.

[0031] Third strap 48 is coupled to blanket body 34 using a mechanical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a double locked stitched fire and heat resistant thread or a metallic grommet. In another embodiment, the fire and heat resistant thread used to couple third strap 48 to blanket body 34 is made from a flame and heat resistant material, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In an alternative embodiment, third strap 48 is coupled to blanket body 34 using a chemical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a flame and heat resistant material adhesive or glue that retains its physical properties in the presence of fire and heat. In one embodiment, the chemical fastener is a flame and heat resistant material adhesive, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic.

[0032] Third strap 48 is made of a flame resistant material. In the example embodiment, third strap 48 is made of TCGF. In another embodiment, third strap 48 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, third strap 48 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, KAPTON® HN, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0033] In one embodiment, blanket second end 32 is folded back on itself to form a pleat 54. In another embodiment, pleat 54 includes a support strap 56 positioned within pleat 54 and configured to facilitate securing blanket second end 32 to a cushion (not shown in FIGS. 1-3). Support strap 56 is made of a flame resistant material. In the example embodiment, support strap 56 is made of TCGF. In another embodiment, support strap 56 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, a polyamide, a melamine, an acrylic, and a modacrylic. In yet another embodiment, support strap 56 is made from flame and heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, KAPTON® HN, P84®, BASOFIL®, KEVLAR®, and NOMEX®.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of emergency blanket 10 shown in FIG. 1. Blanket 10 is a thin, flexible sheet such that it is foldable. In the example embodiment, blanket 10 can be folded along a series of lengthwise folds 60. Each fold 60 has a width 62. In the exemplary embodiment, fold width 62 is approximately seven inches wide. Fold width 62 is dependant upon the size of blanket 10 and the vehicle seat (not shown in FIGS. 1-3). Each of blanket edge 36 and 38 are folded in a first direction 64 towards center axis 40. Blanket 10 is folded until a distance 66 exists between center axis 40 and fold 60. In the exemplary embodiment, distance 66 is 7.5 inches.

[0035]FIG. 5 is front perspective view of an airplane seat 70 and headrest 71 and emergency blanket 10 prior to storage in headrest 71. FIG. 6 is front perspective view of the airplane seat with the emergency blanket stored therein. Blanket 10 is folded as shown in FIG. 4 until blanket 10 resembles the folded blanket 10 in FIG. 5. Blanket 10 is then folded in a series of accordion-like folds 72. Each fold 72 has a width 74. In the exemplary embodiment, fold width 74 is approximately seven inches wide.

[0036] During storage, blanket 10 is disposed within a cushion 80 that includes a cavity 82. Cavity 82 is sized to receive blanket 10 and is configured to secure blanket second end 32 to an attachment member 84. Blanket 10 is fixedly attached within cavity 82 using a mechanical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a thread or a metallic grommet. A protective flap 86 allows blanket 10 to remain covered while in cavity 82. A first end 88 of protective flap 86 is fixedly attached to headrest 71 using a mechanical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, a thread or a metallic grommet. A second end 90 of protective flap 86 is releasably attached to headrest 71 using a mechanical fastener (not shown), including, but not limited to, hook and pile fasteners.

[0037] FIGS. 7A-7F are front perspective views of airplane seat 70 with emergency blanket 10 being deployed by a passenger 100. Beginning with FIG. 7A, passenger 100 is notified of a potentially dangerous situation. Passenger 100 lifts protective flap 86 up and back in a direction 102 toward the rear of the airplane (not shown) exposing first and second straps 44 and 46. Next in FIG. 7B, passenger 100 grasps first and second straps 44 and 46 and pulls in a vertical direction 104 by extending their arms a length 106 until blanket 10 extends from seat 70. In FIG. 7C, passenger begins to pull blanket 10 in a second horizontal direction 108 and blanket 10 begins to unfold. In FIG. 7D, passenger 100 pulls blanket 10 in a downward direct 110 and then grabs third strap 48 and pulls in a downward and sideways direction 112 using both arms. In FIG. 7E, passenger 100 secures first and second straps under their feet. In FIG. 7F, passenger 100 pulls third strap 48 until the entire passenger is covered by blanket 10.

[0038] The flame resistant side of blanket protects the passenger from flames that may occur at or shortly after impact, while the heat resistant side protects the passenger from the heat generated by the flames. In one embodiment, the blanket can be detachably connected to headrest such that it can be removed while the passenger exits the plane. Additionally, the blanket has uses outside vehicles that take advantage of both its accordion-like folding nature and its fire and heat protection. In one embodiment, high rise buildings could place cushions within an office such that a person trapped by a fire in the office could deploy the blanket as a shield to assist in exiting the building, therefore eliminating the need to jump from the building and yet maintain access to fresh air.

[0039] The blanket's ability to provide protection from fire and heat and its ability to be stored in small cavities will facilitate reducing deaths and injuries resulting from fire emergencies that occur within vehicles including airplanes, motor vehicles, and trains.

[0040] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A blanket usable for protection against fire within a vehicle, wherein said blanket is stored within the vehicle, said blanket comprising: a first layer comprising a flame resistant material; a second layer comprising a heat resistant material adjacent said first layer; a fastener comprising a flame resistant material configured to attach said first layer to said second layer, said first layer and said second layer forming a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension; and a cushion usable within the vehicle, said cushion comprising a sealable cavity for storing said blanket in a deployable position.
 2. A blanket in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween, said second end opposite said first end and attachable to said cushion within said sealable cavity.
 3. A blanket in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a plurality of straps coupled to said first end and said body.
 4. A blanket in accordance with claim 3 wherein said plurality of straps comprise a flame resistant material, said plurality of flame resistant straps further comprise a first strap and a second strap coupled to said blanket first end and a third strap coupled to said blanket body, wherein said first and second straps are utilized to deploy said blanket from said cushion cavity and said third strap is utilized to further deploy said blanket around a user.
 5. A blanket in accordance with claim 1 wherein said vehicle includes at least one of an airplane and a train.
 6. A blanket in accordance with claim 1 wherein said flame resistant material is a polyimide film.
 7. A blanket in accordance with claim 1 wherein said heat resistant material is a polyimide film.
 8. A blanket in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of accordion-like folds, said blanket configured to be folded in a first direction and a second direction and stored in said sealable pouch.
 9. A cushion attachable to a seat comprising: a sealable cavity; a blanket usable for protection against fire, said blanket configured to be stored in said sealable cavity in a deployable position and comprising: a first layer comprising a flame resistant material; a second layer comprising a heat resistant material adjacent said first layer; and a fastener comprising a flame resistant material configured to attach said first layer to said second layer, said first layer and said second layer forming a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.
 10. A cushion in accordance with claim 9 wherein said blanket further comprises a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween, said second end opposite said first end and attachable to said cushion within said sealable cavity.
 11. A cushion in accordance with claim 10 wherein said blanket further comprises a plurality of straps attached to said blanket first end and said blanket body, wherein said plurality of straps comprise a coated material, said coated straps attached to said blanket at a first, second, and third position.
 12. A cushion in accordance with claim 9 wherein said blanket further comprises a plurality of accordion-like folds, said blanket configured to be folded in a first direction and a second direction and stored in said sealable pouch.
 13. A fire emergency protection system usable within a vehicle, said system comprising: a seat including a headrest for a passenger within the vehicle; a cushion attached to said headrest including a sealable cavity; and a blanket usable by said passenger for protection against fire within the vehicle, said blanket foldable for storage within said sealable cavity and for facilitating deployment around said passenger.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said seat includes at least one of an airplane seat, a motor vehicle seat, an automobile seat, and a train seat.
 15. A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said blanket comprises: a first layer comprising a flame resistant material; a second layer comprising a heat resistant material adjacent said first layer; a plurality of straps coupled to at least one of said first layer and said second layer; and a fastener comprising a flame resistant material configured to attach said first layer to said second layer and said plurality of straps to at least one of said first layer and said second layer, said first layer and said second layer forming a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.
 16. A system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said plurality of straps comprise a flame resistant material, said plurality of flame resistant straps further comprise a first strap and a second strap coupled to a blanket first end and a third strap coupled to a blanket body, wherein said first and second straps are utilized to deploy said blanket from said cushion cavity and said third strap is utilized to further deploy said blanket around said passenger.
 17. A system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said blanket comprises a first layer of a polyimide film and a second layer of a polyimide film.
 18. A system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said first and second straps are looped straps fixedly coupled to at least one of said blanket first and second layers.
 19. A method of deploying a fire emergency protection system usable within a vehicle, said method comprising: providing a cushion attachable to a headrest on a seat within the vehicle, the cushion including a cavity configured to store a blanket usable for protection against fire within the vehicle; enabling a passenger to easily access the blanket within the cavity in case of a fire emergency; and deploying the blanket from the cavity using a first and a second strap such that the blanket covers the passenger within the seat.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 19 further comprising further deploying the blanket around the passenger using a third strap such that the blanket is fully deployed around the passenger.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein providing a cushion comprises providing a cushion including a sealable cavity and a blanket including a first layer including a flame resistant material, a second layer including a heat resistant material adjacent the first layer, and a fastener including a flame resistant material configured to attach the first layer to the second layer, the first layer and the second layer forming a thin, flexible, sheet-like structure having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.
 22. A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein enabling a passenger to easily access the blanket comprises providing a flap configured to cover the cavity such that lifting the flap uncovers the first and second straps, wherein the first and second straps are loops.
 23. A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein enabling a passenger to easily access the blanket comprises folding the blanket in an accordion-like manner such that the blanket is deployable in a first direction and a second direction.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein deploying the blanket from the cavity comprises grasping the first and second straps and deploying the blanket in a vertical direction.
 25. A method in accordance with claim 20 wherein further deploying the blanket around the passenger comprises grasping the third strap and deploying the blanket in a horizontal direction.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 19 further comprising securing the blanket to the passenger's feet using the first and second strap. 